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A sneeze is a semi-autonomous, Convulsive expulsion of Air from the Lungs . This air can reach speeds of 300 mph. Sneezes spread disease by producing infectious droplets that are 0.5 to 5 µm in diameter. About 40,000 such droplets can be produced by a single sneeze.Cole EC, Cook CE. Characterization of infectious aerosols in health care facilities: an aid to effective engineering controls and preventive strategies. ''Am J Infect Control.'' 1998 Aug;26(4):453-64. Sneezing can transmit many diseases PMID 9721404 Sneezing occurs when a particle (or sufficient particles) passes through the nasal hairs and reaches the nasal Mucosa . This triggers the production of Histamine s, which reach the nerve cells in the nose, which then send a signal to the brain to initiate the sneeze. In certain individuals, sneezing can also be caused by exposure to bright light. This is called the Photic Sneeze Reflex . In recent years it has been shown that stifling or holding back sneezes can cause damage to the Sinuses as well as the inner ear, this is due to the back flow of air pressure. The symptoms of this can include tinnitus, or reduced high frequency hearing, and in extreme cases, rupturing of the ear drum. BELIEFS AND CULTURAL ASPECTS In 410 BC the Athenian general Xenophon gave a dramatic oration exhorting his fellow soldiers to follow him to liberty or to death against the Persians . He spoke for an hour motivating his Army and assuring them a safe return to Athens until a Soldier underscored his conclusion with a sneeze. Thinking that this sneeze was a favorable sign from the God s, the soldiers bowed before Xenophon and followed his command. Another divine moment of sneezing for the Greeks occurs in the story of Odysseus . Odysseus returns home disguised as a Beggar and talks with his waiting Wife Penelope . She says to Odysseus , not knowing to whom she speaks, that he will return safely to challenge her suitors. At that moment their son sneezes loudly and Penelope Laugh s with Joy , reassured that it is a sign from the gods. According to popular belief, a sneeze without an obvious cause is a sign that someone is talking about you, this is most conventionally regarded to be a member of the opposite sex. Onomatopoeia Some common English Onomatopoeia s for the sneeze sound are "''achew!''", "''atisshoo''" and "achoo". The first syllable corresponds to the sudden intake of air, the second to the sound of the sneeze. In Cypriot Greek, the word is 'apshoo'. (This is also the name of a village, which is the cause of much mirth.) In French, the sound "Achoum!" is used, and in Japanese, "Hakushou!" Traditional responses to a sneeze In English-speaking countries, it is common for at least one person to say " God Bless You " (or more commonly just "Bless you") after someone sneezes. This tradition originates from the Middle Ages , when it was believed that when one sneezed, the heart stops, the soul left the body and could be snatched by evil spirits. Today, it is said mostly in the spirit of good manners and is usually followed by the sneezer saying 'Thank you'. Also, when the Scarlet Fever broke out for the first time, people would often die as a result. People then began saying God bless you, in the hope that they would survive. In many cultures words referencing is "будь здоров(а/ы)," which means "be healthy." In Armenia, one says "առողջություն" (aroghjootyoon). In Turkish, "Cok yasa" which means "live long", which in turn is responded with "sen de gor" (you see too) indicating the person wishing them to live long see them live as long. In French, after the first sneeze, one says "à tes souhaits!" which means "to your desires". If the same person sneezes again, the second response is "à tes amours!", which means "to your loves." The practice among have mercy on you).’ If he says, ‘Yarhamuk-Allaah,’ then let (the sneezer) say, ‘Yahdeekum Allaah wa yuslihu baalakum (May Allaah guide you and rectify your condition).’” SEE ALSO REFERENCES
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